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Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam
9 Nights | Amsterdam to Basel

Tour Description

Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe aboard the Trafalgar Verity, where timeless beauty, rich culture, and scenic charm come together. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic spires of Cologne Cathedral, and the fairy-tale streets of Strasbourg’s old town — every stop is a story waiting to be told.

Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe aboard the Trafalgar Verity, where timeless beauty, rich culture, and scenic charm come together. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the majestic spires of Cologne Cathedral, and the fairy-tale streets of Strasbourg’s old town — every stop is a story waiting to be told.

Glide through the breathtaking Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with hilltop castles, lush Riesling vineyards, and picturesque half-timbered villages. As the river winds from the Netherlands to Switzerland, each bend reveals a new wonder.

On board, the experience is just as captivating. Toast new friendships with regional wines, enjoy vibrant evenings of local entertainment, and take in panoramic views from the comfort of your ship.

This is more than a cruise — it’s a celebration of Europe’s most enchanting river.

Highlights

  • Lunch with the Bohrer Family at Bohrerhof Farm – Be My GuestSit down to a homegrown meal at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm in the Rhine plain.
  • Learn About Vinegar Production at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof – Make Travel Matter
    Discover a unique side of the Palatinate wine region with a vinegar tasting at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof.
  • Explore Historic Rheinstein Castle
    Perched 90 metres above the Rhine on a rocky outcrop, this Romantic-era fortress offers views over the Rhine and surrounding vineyards. Step inside to explore its historic halls and towers, a glimpse into Germany’s castle heritage and medieval past. 
  • Canal Cruise with Dinner
    Glide through the heart of Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the city’s historic bridges, gabled townhouses and illuminated waterways. From the water, see the city from a fresh perspective as you savour dinner on board, enjoying local flavours and the company of new friends against a backdrop of picture-perfect sights

 

What's Included

  • All port charges
  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine
  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

Itinerary

Day 1: Welkom to Amsterdam

Arrive in the vibrant Dutch capital and check in to your hotel before heading out for a memorable first evening. Get your first taste of river life with a canal cruise and dinner with your fellow travellers, Experience Director and Experience Manager.

Day 2: Stroll the Canals in Amsterdam

Today is yours to experience Amsterdam as you like. Wander along scenic canals, explore world-class museums or soak up the local atmosphere in a cosy cafe. For something extra, join an Optional Experience and taste your way through the Jordaan district on a foodie tour or visit a traditional windmill in Volendam. On select seasonal departures you can opt to explore the colourful blooms of Keukenhof Gardens

Day 3: Embark on Your Rhine River Cruise

Uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII, aimed at securing key bridges in the Netherlands. Visit the Airborne Museum in Hartenstein and see the “Bridge Too Far,” where British paratroopers fought a heroic but ill-fated battle. This afternoon, board the Trafalgar Verity, your Rhine River Cruise ship. Settle in and explore the ship as you begin your journey along the legendary Rhine.

Day 4: Cross into Cologne

Your first night on the Lower Rhine takes you through the Rhine Plain and past North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s historic heart of industry. Dock in Cologne after a night cruising the Rhine and step ashore. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist to explore the historic streets and see the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece over 600 years in the making. Or see a different side of the city on a Street Art tour, uncovering the alternative creative scene. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience and sample local brews on a Cologne Beer Experience, or visit the Michael Schumacher Private Collection, a must for motorsport fans. 

Day 5: Cruise the Middle Rhine into Koblenz

Sit back and take in the scenery on your Rhine River cruise, as you begin to cruise through the Middle Rhine, a region straight out of a fairy tale, famous for its hillside vineyards and storybook castles. You’ll also sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle meets the Rhine, marked by the grand monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. On land, join a Local Specialist in Koblenz before cruising to Boppard. Later, explore Rheinstein Castle, perched high above the river. You can explore further with an optional bike ride along the Rhine, passing charming villages and historic castles along the way.

Day 6: Discover Rüdesheim

Your Rhine River cruise continues as you cruise through the Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in Rüdesheim, a wine-making town known for its half-timbered houses. Take a mini-train tour to get acquainted with the area, then enjoy time to explore. You can choose to join an Optional Experience vineyard hike, winding through scenic trails with beautiful views alongside.

Day 7: Experience Medieval Speyer

This morning, step ashore in Speyer, a town with deep medieval roots. With two included experiences to choose from, you can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour along Maximilian Street, passing baroque townhouses and visiting a medieval church. Discover the 11th-century Jewish community, including its ritual baths and enjoy some local treats. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production. Why not join an Optional Experience to Heidelberg? You’ll walk through its charming old town, cross the Old Bridge and visit the striking Heidelberg Castle.

Day 8: Onwards to Strasbourg

Step ashore in Alsace, where French and German influences mix in this region rich with history. With a Local Specialist by your side, explore Strasbourg’s old town, where you’ll see its impressive cathedral and the charming Petite France district. In the afternoon, choose an Optional Experience into the Black Forest, known for its scenic landscapes, fairytale villages and traditional crafts.

Day 9: Pass the Black Forest to Breisach

Cruise south of Strasbourg, along the Rhine River, marking the border between Germany and France. Drift through the Upper Rhine Plain, nestled between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. Step ashore and begin your day with a tour of Breisach, a historic town overlooking the Rhine, known for its colourful houses and centuries-old cathedral. Then, join the Bohrer family at Bohrerhof for a Be My Guest experience with lunch on their family farm, where they grow seasonal produce using traditional methods. Enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients straight from their fields, a true taste of their land and heritage. In the afternoon, you can take an optional visit to an Alsatian village for a journey filled with half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards.

Day 10: Farewell in Basel

Your scenic river cruise comes to an end as you disembark in Basel. Bid farewell with “fair winds and fond memories” to your Experience Director and Experience Manager, crew and fellow cruise companions, until you cruise again.

Your Ship

Blending the charm of a 1930s steamship with the sophistication of a boutique hotel, the Trafalgar Verity is your floating sanctuary on the Rhine. Think Art Deco style, marble touches, curated artwork, and effortlessly immersive service from your onboard Experience Team.

Unwind with smooth jazz in the lounge, enjoy live regional entertainment, or stay active with yoga, a gym, Nordic walks, and complimentary bikes. From onboard baking demos to in-suite spa treatments, every moment is designed to delight.

With sustainability at its core and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences along the way, the Verity offers more than just a cruise—it’s an unforgettable journey in comfort, style, and purpose.

Tour Details

Travel Dates

Apr - Oct 2026

Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Price From

$4,649.00 per person

Sale Ends

October 29, 2025

*Save NZ$2,500 per couple on select 2026 Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam and Best of the Danube departures as featured on trafalgar.com. New bookings only made with deposit between 17 July 2025 and 29 October 2025. Prices are in NZD, are per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. If guests change to another cruise or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards savings only, not combinable with group discounts or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.

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